Merry Disastrous Christmas 2

[Liam Nightray]

Liam Nightray had never been one for socializing; in fact, he hated everything that had to do with going out and meeting people. He hated any social activity, hated talking, and on top of all, hated being in close proximity with random strangers. He hated noise and crowded places, yet, the fifteen year old found himself in the middle of it all. He had no choice though; this type of celebration had been his family's annual tradition. Every year the grand gates of the Nightray manor would open to welcome the chosen guests for the family's grand party. It wasn't that his family was generous. No. The Nightrays were far from that. The truth was, these parties were just a way for them to show off their wealth and status. Liam never did enjoy it though. While the other members of his family might enjoy being showered by all those attention (especially Madame Red), he didn't. He hated them. He had no choice though, being a Nightray, he was required to attend it whether he wanted it or not.

Liam tugged at his scarf as he threw a disgusted look at the crowd. The room was like a coliseum, it was huge yet cozy. The chairs were covered with white and black garments. On the center of each table lies a candle surrounded by bouquets of red flowers. The grand chandeliers were splendidly hanging from the high ceilings. There were chairs on the south most part of the room. Some who didn't like to dance stayed there, yet, it was mostly unoccupied as most of the guests were either in the middle of the room swaying to some music, or were in the corners talking about stuffs he didn't bother to know.

The Slytherin frowned as he continued to drag his cousin with him. Ria. He hadn't seen her for years and Merlin did he not think that he would see her now. Yet, there he was, dragging his cousin by the arm while gracefully dodging the random strangers that would occasionally block their path to try and talk to him. The boy quickened his pace and tightened his hold on his cousin's wrist. The girl from before who dared to accuse his cousin of being a half blood stayed rooted on her spot. He heard her shout something but he didn't bother to turn around. Fleas like her didn't deserve his attention after all.

The boy's pace began to slow down a little as he reached the west part of the room. He touched each curtain until he felt a doorknob and opened it. As he did so, it connected them into a place so cold yet serene. The moon was in its perfect full and the stars were shining so brightly. The place was indeed calming.

Liam let go of his cousin's wrist and walked towards the fence of the balcony that was wrapped with tiny red flowers, leaning forward a little to rest his elbows on it. He stayed quiet for a moment, not bothering to answer his cousin as he looked upon the view full of trees and ground covered with thick blanket of snow.

"You should really stop with that," he started, his tone flat as he continued to gaze at the view before him. His scarf was now hanging loosely on his shoulders. "Stop apologizing when it's not your fault, it's annoying." He finished without any change in his tone, resting his chins on his palm, not even sparing his cousin a glance. "And don't flatter yourself. I didn't do that for you." With that, he cocked his head a little to look at her, one eyebrow raised with a mock bored expression in his face.

"What are you doing here?" The girl had been gone for years. No letters, no communication at all. Of course, her younger brothers would talk about her from time to time, but being who he was; Liam never did attempt to ask them about her. It wouldn't be like him to do such thing. But there were still times when he would wonder where the girl had gone off to. She just disappeared on them without a word, and the elders didn't really bother to tell them about it. It was like she wasn't part of their family at all.

The fifteen year old was about to add something else when the balcony door slammed open, blowing off the curtains at the process to reveal one of their uncles, Sebastian. "How dare you show your face here?" the man shouted, not caring if he would get the attention of everyone inside the room. The old man was known for his hatred of muggles and his violent tendencies. Though Liam didn't particularly care about his relatives, he hated this man. He had little to no memory of his past, but somehow, he knew he didn't like this man. The little memory that he had of his relatives include this man being really cruel on him and his cousin when they were young. He had been one of those who talks about how the girl was a hopeless case and how she was a disgrace to their family. He had been one of those who smirked and laughed when the others were not looking when his parents had died. Liam wanted this man dead.​

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[Arianna Zhefarovich]

Arianna Nightray currently did not know why she had decided to go to England for Christmas. Sure, she knew the reason at first, but now she was not really considering it. She had told herself that she wanted to be with her brothers, with her cousins, with her family. In America, she had no one and she believed that if she went back to the Nightray manor, even for just three days, she'd at least feel that she was part of a family. But, it was just all too impossible, wasn't it? were her thoughts right now. Now, things that confused her before she left America made sense. Why those doctors had, out of nowhere, agreed to let her go to England after almost eight years of captivity in the hospital. Why their distant relative had given her such a look of pity. Ria was too slow to understand that from the moment she was forcibly brought to America, she was no longer considered a Nightray. That they had already refused to let others know that she was part of a Pureblood family. They considered her as a disgrace and a failure. Sending her to America was throwing her away.

The girl had only realized this as she was being dragged by Liam through the crowd present within the manor for the annual Christmas party that the Nightray family held as a tradition that had been going on for years without end. The guests looked at her as if she was some trash, looked at her with disgust. They knew not that she too was a Pureblood. A Nightray. They only knew that she was a filthy half-breed and the girl could do next to nothing about it. If it weren't for the red dress she wore, she would not have probably been recognized so easily, but alas! Fate had worked against her for the nth time! Aunt Red had been so kind as to buy her the dress in such a hurry for her arrival was completely unexpected. Arianna knew of the woman's intentions to bring all attention to her as she could be recognized after years of being away from the manor. She knew that the woman had no ill intentions towards her. She, after all, was the one who had raised Armin and Rivaille as well as take the frail girl under her care when she had arrived so suddenly at the manor the night before. And therefore, Ria couldn't really bring herself to be mad at the woman.

She only wished though that not such events had occurred during such an event. Being scolded by her aunt for her mere presence within the room and the accusations of the guests were even worse. Reasons why Arianna was really grateful for the presence of her cousin, Liam. If it were not for the boy, the poor girl was quite unsure of what could have happened. Ria was gentle, yes. But even she was capable of getting angry and even breaking down. And wasn't it known that a Nightray shouldn't be angered? It was just the same for the frail girl despite her fragile health. Her health and stamina were low but that didn't mean that she was incapable of doing anything, but she really didn't want to get there. And that was why she was thankful for Liam's presence in the earlier events. Arianna had changed when she had been in America. Years of being isolated and alone did that to her. But her family could always believe that she was still the same innocent, gentle girl as before right? They didn't have to know that she was just as capable as they are when it came to being ruthless. But having gentleness as her true nature sometimes made Ria regret things that she would come to do when she was mad.

The girl barely noticed when Liam had dragged her outside, away from the confines of the house and the looks of disgust of the people inside, into the comfort of the chilly, winter breeze and the wonderful night sky. Being in her dress, Ria shivered as the cold breeze hit her. She let her arms wrap herself up. Perhaps this is better than being inside. she thought to herself as she watched her cousin walk to the railings of the balcony. He had changed and he had grown. Arianna used to worry about him a lot since they had both just lost their parents when she was suddenly taken to America. First, she had fallen asleep in her bed after her good nights to her brothers and to Liam, and when she woke up, she was in a hospital bed in another country. She begged the doctors that time to take her home. She cried and begged, but they never let her. Letters were no use either, but she still tried her best to keep her hopes. It took years before the twins were allowed to visit once each month. But that was it. Nothing more, nothing less.

The young girl looked at her cousin shocked and wide-eyed. She didn't expect him to tell her that. He was telling her to stop apologizing when it was not her fault. Did it mean that the turn of events wasn't her fault? That she was not to blame at all? Was that even acceptable? Arianna certainly had no idea and she couldn't help but ask indeed. "Do you mean that it was not my fault at all?" Her words lingered in the air before a small chuckle had gone through her lips after Liam had uttered some words. He didn't change at all. That was her cousin alright. Always claiming that he was not doing it for another person. But who else could he have done it for? He could have not gained anything aside from having a reason to get out to the balcony and away from people, but still, he could have done that even without a small occurrence right? Such a softie sometimes, she thought as she hugged herself a little bit tighter, slowly walking towards the railings of the balcony as well. "Some things never change about you."

Ria just smiled as she leaned on the railings, hugging herself and looking at the view that the balcony of the Nightray manor could offer. It was just simply wonderful, it seemed everything was perfect. "Honestly, right now, I don't know," she said, her English accent already barely noticeable thanks to all the time she had spent in America. She thought long and hard about the answer to the boy's question. What am I doing here? she thought to herself before giving a sigh. "Perhaps, I just thought that I'd still have something if ever I got back here," she said, her tone of gentleness and sincerity she held within her words. "I barely have anything there. I always wanted to go to wizarding school, you know? If not that, then at least spend some time with my Armin and Riv whenever I please," Arianna mumbled, but loud enough for her cousin to hear. "Or even some time with you would be nice," she continued, her gaze suddenly moved to Liam, looking him straight in the eyes. "I didn't even know why I kept hoping that they didn't just throw me away the moment I woke up in America."

Words were stopped upon the sudden opening of the balcony doors. Ria nearly jumped in shock by the sudden noise and she had felt the cold creep up to her more as soon as she heard someone yelling. Not just anyone. It was her Uncle Sebastian. She had always feared the man, even now. Even more now that he was in rage just because of her mere presence in the manor. Perhaps, this was one of those times when fear would overrule the gentle Nightray at first. She hugged herself tighter and she was shivering. What was she going to do? She knew that she was no longer a six-year-old girl that the man could threaten and possibly hurt, but then at that moment, it was like she had gone back to the past. She cursed herself for being weak and cowardly like this. She bit her lip and could think of nothing but hide behind Liam. It had been like this when they were kids. Arianna was always hiding behind Liam

 

[Liam Nightray]

The weather outside was cold. Thick blanket of snow covered the lawn and the wind was blowing so harshly against the thickly covered body of the fifteen year old Slytherin. Yet, despite all this, Liam Nightray remained as still as a stone as he gazed upon the view before him. The stillness of the world outside was a sharp contrast to noise and activity inside the Nightray manor. It made him feel at ease and strangely, calm, which was good. Should he have stayed inside, the noise would have made him lose his already non-existent patience. He wasn't really known for being able to control his temper, and while he didn't really care about how other people view him, he knew that losing his cool while in the presence of the older Nightrays would do him no good. He wasn't stupid. He knew what he should and should not do. That however, cannot be said about his other relatives. They were slow and unintelligent. If they knew what's good for them, then they wouldn't have continued this stupid family tradition. But alas, their heads were too full of material things and they ever wanted was to be showered with attention. He was honestly disappointed and annoyed. Should he be the head of their family, all this stupidity would end.

Even without looking at his cousin, Liam could already guess the expression that was written on her face. He had always believed that the girl was too easy to read. He hated it, it made her weak and weakness was something that every Nightray was supposed to get rid of. "Do you think you're at fault?" He asked sharply, his eyes narrowing in annoyance. This was the other thing that the girl should fix. She was too soft. It would be easy to take advantage of her. If she wasn't his cousin, no, if she wasn't a remembrance of the better part of his life, he could have easily used her for his own personal gain. That annoyance, however, was replaced with confusion when he heard his cousin laugh. He didn't say anything funny, did he? His eyes had narrowed once again, however, when he learned of her reason for chuckling. "Shouldn't I be the one saying that?"

Liam turned around so he was facing the door separating them from the noise inside the manor. The curtains were blocking his view of what was happening inside, but he wasn't bothered at all. He surely didn't like to see those stupid faced of the people inside their manor. He leaned on the balcony, his elbows supporting his weight. He then cocked his head a little to look at the girl with him. Now that he was actually paying her attention, he noticed how she was hugging herself. Her outfit wasn't really suited for the weather, he decided. "What are you wearing? It's too cold and that is your choice of clothing?" He told her flatly.

The slytherin listened to the girl's reason of going back when she should have known that she wasn't really that welcome in their manor. Her words made him feel something that he had long promised himself not to feel. He hated being pitied, and surely, Ria wouldn't like to be pitied too. He wasn't supposed to feel sorry for anyone. That was something that only weak people do.

"Then come back." He told her as if it was the most obvious thing to do. He sees no reason for her to keep staying inside a muggle facility. Staying there longer would only give their stupid relatives more reason to keep her out of their family. "You're a Nightray, aren't you?" She had more right to live in the manor than that woman from earlier.

Liam knew that the silence that had been keeping them company since they entered the balcony wouldn't last forever. He knew that, but that didn't mean that the entrance of their uncle was welcomed. The slytherin's previous calm demeanor was replaced with an enraged one. His eyes were cold, even colder than the weather outside, as he glared at the older one. He saw his cousin hide behind him just like she does when they were younger. She had always used him as her shield before, and before, he didn't mind. But they weren't kids anymore. No. They had ceased being kids since their parents had been taken away from them. He was no longer a child, nor was she. She should learn how to stand up for herself. A Nightray can lose everything else but not his pride after all.

He pulled his cousin just so she was beside him. She couldn't hide behind him forever. He was no longer the kid that she knew before. "Quit being a coward." He told her sharply, though he was still glaring at the much bigger man before them. The man looked at him in confusion before he threw an accusing finger at the girl. "You dare show your face here? You're a disgrace!" The man shouted, taking a few steps forward, making him tower even more over the two. The wind shut the balcony door close again, isolating them, once more, from the noise and the crowd inside. Which was good., that meant that he need not hold back. While Liam knew that he shouldn't cross his grandparents, he wouldn't let this man do as pleased. Of the older Nightrays, only his grandparents are ought to be respected after all. The others were of no use to him. ​

 

[Arianna Zhefarovich]

Arianna never got tired of admiring the thick white blanket that covered the land of the Nightrays. It always was a sight to see. Everything would look so serene and she would almost forget that she had a thousand complications with her family. As the teenager admired the beauty of nature at it's finest, she continued to lean on the balcony railings as she smiled a gentle smile. For a moment, she had forgotten that she was a pureblood, that she was a huge secret of a noble family, that she was an orphan, that she was an outcast. Even if it was only for a moment, it brought back the angelic smile that the fifteen-year-old once held. The smile that was genuine enough to make others smile as well. It had been gone along with the time she was away from home. All that's left for her was some make-believe facade that she puts up to show others that she had not changed.

"You could have avoided the trouble had I not arrived, isn't that right?" she asked right back at him. Well, there were times indeed that she would think it was her fault, but that was only because it involved her brothers or Liam. If it were not for the three of them, she would have refused to be blamed for anything she knew was not her fault at all. The young girl had stopped her giggling and just smiled at the Slytherin as she continued to spend time with him. She really was cherishing every second and minute that passed by, after all, this was the first time in eight years that they were together. "You think so?" Ria asked as she tilted her head a bit in question. "How much do you think I've changed, Liam?" she asked, her tone in all seriousness and her face showed that she was serious about her question, as her eyes were stuck on his own. Arianna knew that she had changed a lot, but the Nightrays need not know that. She had been thrown away after all. What was the point of telling them that she wasn't the same Arianna they had sent to America.

There was a moment of silence that had passed between the two cousins before Arianna decided to remove his gaze on Liam. She hugged herself closer as the cold breeze were dawning upon them, but she didn't care. She appreciated the cold better than the judgmental words and insults that were being given to her within the confines of the manor. It was much better in the balcony where they had the whole place to themselves and they also had a serene and calm environment unlike the noisy one inside. The girl had glanced at her own outfit thanks to her cousin's remarks. "Aunt Red bought it for me. I would not have worn it but she had gotten it for me and it's such a shame not to wear it," she replied calmly as she only hugged herself closer as the cold was getting worse but she chose not to mind it at all.

Ria just smiled as Liam spoke like everything was easy as spelling their own names. Of course, it was Liam after all. He always thought that things were easily done which was a contrast to Arianna whom had always been sickly and found everything hard to do. But indeed, he was right. Why didn't I come back? she thought to herself. Why did it take me eight years to get back here? she asked herself but she knew all to well the reason why. She was scared. Scared of what may happen if she ever came back, scared that she might not be able to come back even if she tried because of her young age back then. She was only seven after all. But now, she was almost sixteen. Everything changed. She had a right to live within the manor. She was a Nightray after all. All the teenager could do was smile and nod.

Silence and serenity, courage and happiness. All were broken as soon as their Uncle Sebastian came into the balcony. Ria hid behind Liam as she always did when they were children, but this time, he refused to have that set up as he pulled her beside him. He was right. She had to stop being a coward. They had thrown her away like she was nothing for eight years after all. As Liam stood beside her, she too, stood her ground. Although she remained calm and silent, her angelic face moments ago had turned stone hard. She refused to back down when she had done nothing wrong. The manor was her home just like any other Nightray considered it theirs. She refused to speak unless she needed too, although she still had some fear for her uncle, she considered him to be not worth her time since they considered her as not worth of theirs. Arianna Nightray was a Pureblood and right now, she refused to be treated like some dirt to be stepped on.

 

[Liam Nightray]

Liam paused to think about the girl's statement. Would it really be better if she hadn't arrived? He doubted it. If she wasn't there, then he would still be stuck inside. If she hadn't arrived, then he probably had killed all those stupid fleas inside their manor. So actually, her arrival was probably good for him, which he would not say of course. Not to her, not out loud. He just shrugged and decided not to answer her question. Her company was far better than anyone else's in his opinion. He could hardly remember the last time that he had been able to spend some time with someone without him wanting to kill his company. It might have been years since they had last seen each other, he might not remember everything about her, but somehow, he felt calmer and more relaxed around her.

"Aside from your physical appearance?" He asked, cocking his head to the side, a smirk playing on his lips. He didn't really recognize her at all. Granted that he had not seen her for an entire eight years, and that he barely had any memories of his childhood, but still, he believed that she changed a lot physically. Which he wasn't sure whether it was a bad or a good thing. She had been surrounded by muggles for so long, could she, perhaps, been contaminated by some sort of sickness from them? The girl was pretty sickly since young after all. "Not much, probably." He continued nonchalantly. There was something that was telling him that his cousin had not only changed physically. There was something that was telling him that somehow, like him, she had changed a lot too. But the fifteen year old refused to think about that. Thinking would only make his head ache worse. And he didn't want that at all. "Unless you'd be able to prove me wrong."

Liam watched his cousin hug herself closer. He really couldn't understand why she had to wear that type of clothing when she knew that the weather was too cold. He never did understand his aunt's preference in clothing, but as the boy who rarely cares about anything, he didn't pay it too much attention. It would only waste his time. "You're really stupid. That didn't change." He told her flatly, pulling his scarf of his neck and throwing it towards the girl's direction. The boy didn't like the cold, but at least, he was more covered than she was. He shot her a glare that warned her from saying anything about his actions. He wasn't really the most helpful people in the world, and he most certainly would not go out of his way to save someone from freezing to death. The world was already too full of trashes, it would be good to get rid of some. But then again, Ria's different. She might be stupid at times, but still, she wasn't like any other person.

Liam quite liked the silence that followed. He knew that the girl was thinking about his statement. He just said the truth though. Why didn't she comeback? Why didn't she fight her way back? They were kids, yes, but she was a Nightray too. Nightrays were taught to be proud and to not lot anyone step on them, yet she let those stupid grown ups do what they wanted to do with her. She was a coward, and she was weak, and it annoyed him so. Yet strangely enough, perhaps it was because among the cousins they were the ones who were closest in age, or perhaps it was because he actually treated her as a friend, he didn't hate her at all. He was annoyed at her yes, but not so much as his hatred for their other relatives.

The Slytherin smirked when the girl finally decided to stood her ground. At least, she was starting to learn how to protect herself. At least, she was starting to show that she was indeed, one of them. "Leave." His voice was low and cold. He glared at the older Nightray, and despite the huge difference in height, his confidence and his sense of authority made him look more threatening. Their uncle stammered a bit and took a step backward. His face reddened in anger and soon, before the fifteen year old boy could react, had grabbed the girl's hand. "You should have died a long time ago. You're not wanted here. Quit forcing yourself into our family," the older yelled, his grip on the girl's wrist tightening. It happened all too fast for the fifteen year old boy, and soon, he found himself alone inside the balcony, with his cousin being dragged by their uncle into the house. With the direction the they were taking, he knew that the older would bring the girl to their grandparents.​

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[Arianna Zhefarovich]

Arianna couldn't help but chuckle at Liam's sudden playfulness. At this age, she had thought that the Slytherin was not one for playfulness now, but it seemed that he had proven her wrong. Right now, it seemed that the child Ria once knew still lived within the young man in front of her. "Of course aside from that, silly!" she said as she smiled brightly and giggled at the thought. Of course she had changed physically! Her once childish body had started maturing. From her thin, frail body from their childhood, she now had curves that suited her perfectly and the only thing that would remind others of her frail health was her pale complexion. "I'd really rather let you believe what you know," she said barely above a whisper which she really didn't particularly care if Liam had heard her or not. She could be ruthless if she was mad. Probably worse than him, but he didn't need to know that. Nobody needed to know that. They should just know the sweet, gentle and cowardly Ria facade.

The cold was getting worse but Arianna didn't care. She had released a small cough and deemed herself to be catching a small cold later on since she had been in the cold for a bit too long and she didn't even consider the fact that she had frail health. The young girl hugged herself closer and was surprised when Liam's scarf had out of nowhere landed on her head. She held it in her hands and looked at her cousin. Frankly, she was quite surprised by his actions and she loved it when he was this sweet. He never changed in her own opinion. He was the only family she had aside from Armin and Riv after all. "Thanks Yam-Yam," she said before giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek like she always did when they were kids. He wouldn't appreciate probably considering that they had already grown, but she would take on the consequences.

Every bit of serenity was broken ever since Sebastian had entered the balcony. He didn't seem to care what Liam had to say as every bit of fury the older had was directed at her. Ria's flinched as in no time at all, she was caught in her uncle's grip as he told her ice cold words through gritted teeth. Her eyes pricked with tears that threatened to spill as she felt the pain of being disowned. Yet her eyes showed defiance for the older's words. She wouldn't leave the manor. Not yet. She tried to fight back really but his grip threatened to break her wrist should she cause a major ruckus. And with her frail health and weak body and his large one, she was sure he could easily break her wrist. In no time at all, she was being dragged once again to the inside of the manor. She tried to pull back but his grip didn't budge at all. With the direction they were heading she already knew where her uncle was taking her.

A large room was what they entered. She could still remember it. The study of the head of the family. The elders. They were sitting on a couch on one side of the room, sitting formally and they had aged a lot since Arianna had last saw them. She barely knew them as a child after all and from what she could remember, they were ones who could not be defied. Sebastian had finally let her go before her grandmother had spoken, Come here, she said with a cold voice and harsh tone and Ria followed. Her hands fumbling with Liam's scarf around her shoulders. Her grandmother meant business and she knew it. Ria refused to sit and so she remained standing before the old woman. Why have you come back? she asked the younger and Arianna took no time in answering her resolve not breaking thanks to Liam's words from earlier. "I intend to study in Hogwarts New Zealand with Armin and Rivaille. Perhaps, I have sufficient part of the inheritance to finance my remaining years of study," she answered bravely and before she knew it, flesh made contact with flesh.

It was Sebastian whom had slapped her. Insolent child! How dare you be disrespectful, you filthy excuse for a human! I was right that you should have stayed in America or better yet died long ago! he yelled at her as she remained rooted at her place. Sebastian, calm down. The girl has had enough. It is indeed a shame that she seems to have regained her health well enough to travel and even answer back. But she is right, the elder said and as she cast a glance at her uncle she saw that he was about to retort but knew better. Her grandmother continued on with her words. Very well child, you may continue your studies in Hogwarts but you will finance your own studies with your inheritance from your late parents, Arianna was just about to smile at her words but then the elders next words tore her apart. But you are to keep your relationship to this family an absolute secret. You may only reveal it to professors and people whom have to know but aside from that, you are to keep your mouth shut. Else you decide to break this agreement, you will be sent back to America and all connections between you and this family will be broken, including your connection to the twins. If you disagree to my terms, you will simply go back to America and continue on with the original arrangement we have. Arianna couldn't help but be shocked. There was a lot at stake here and she didn't want to lose connection with the twins and she didn't want to give up wizarding school either! She could swear that Sebastian and her grandmother were smirking at her expense. How she wished that Liam was beside her now.

Grandmother, Uncle Sebastian

 

[Liam Nightray]

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Liam certainly didn't like how things were going. Sebastian, their uncle, was known for his violent tendencies. He hated that man. The older was too much like a leech when it comes to their grandparents. He was stupid, always trying to gain favor from the elders because he thought that should they die, he could be the head of the Nightray family. Ridiculous. Such a brainless man could never lead their family, Liam would make sure of that. No matter what, he'd make sure that no other person would lead the family other than him, and should he inherit that title, he'd surely kick those stupid and useless fleas outside their manor. Sebastian would definitely be the first one to go and Liam would make sure that the old man would never get even a tiny bit of the Nightrays fortune. He didn't deserve any of it after all.

The Slytherin hurriedly stormed out of the balcony to follow his uncle and his cousin. He knew that the older would bring the girl to their grandparents in hope that they would favor him. He silently cursed under his breath. Liam wasn't one for profanities but the older was really getting on his nerves. His pace was quick and he paid no attention to the people inside the room. Some would try to talk to him, trying to tell him would supposedly great the party was. The girl from earlier tried to pull him by the sleeve too in an attempt to apologize for her previous behavior. The fifteen year old, however, had only given her a sharp look and pulled away from her. He bothered not to turn around to see whether he had offended her. He cared not for her feelings after all. He cared not for anyone's feelings anyway.

He climbed the great staircase of the Nightray manor. He bumped into his sister but he didn't bother to stop to check how she was. His twin cousins gave him a confused look as he continued on climbing without sparing anyone a glance. Armin actually tried to ask him what was wrong but he just brushed him off. He was in a hurry and he couldn't waste any second dealing with these kids. Soon, he found himself facing the large double doors that would lead to the study of the Nightray family. He paused for a bit, trying to collect himself. He had to appear calm and cold should he face his grandparents.

His eyes landed on his uncle as soon as he entered the room. He gave him a sharp glare, not really caring whether he was older and bigger than he was. The man didn't deserve any respect. what he deserved was a slow and painful death. He calmly walked towards his grandparents, his expression as cold as ice, and his eyes void of any emotion. "Arianna must go. You don't have any business with her, do you?," he told them, his voice was flat without any hint of what he felt a the moment. He then gave a quick bow to his grandparents and gestured for his cousin to follow him. She need not stay with these people anymore. He stopped when he passed his uncle. He then took some steps toward him to close the distance between them. "I must express my gratitude for what you did earlier. Don't worry, I will return the favor soon. After all, a Nightray never forgets, do we uncle?" He then quickly turned around, a murderous look replacing the previous calm one. He would definitely make sure that their uncle would pay for what he had done.

End​

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